Something Sponsored At SnoTown Espresso

Something Sponsored stopped in at SnoTown Espresso to share a little cheer.

We sponsored an hour of Coffee and we hope that everyone enjoyed their morning surprise.

Kylin Landry
Kylin Landry
2021-10-04
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation. Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
Doza m
Doza m
2021-09-23
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
Bri Adams
Bri Adams
2021-09-15
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
2021-09-15
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
Abraham Tewldeberham
Abraham Tewldeberham
2021-09-12
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
Sylvia Magnusson
Sylvia Magnusson
2021-09-09
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here to read more of our Local Community Series.

Want To Hear More From us.

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Sign up for the Monthly Newsletter.

2022 January Winner Merrill Law Library

Emily Fountain and Reece Merrill with the box of books.

Congratulations to the 2022 January Winner Merrill Law Library Classroom!

Our 2022 January Winner is Emily Fountain’s 4th Grade Class of Skyline Elementary in the Lake Stevens School District. 

Hello, I am Reece Merrill with Merrill Law. I am Logan Merrill. It is that special time of year again. Time to pick a winner of the Merrill Law Library. With that I will spin and we will see who the lucky winner is.

Congratulations to Emily Fountain. Every child in your class will be getting a book and you will also be getting a set of books for your classroom.

Reece, Logan and Rick Merrill

Each Student will receive a brand new book to keep.

The Classroom will get a selection of books to keep and use in future years.

Thank you SO much!!! These books were a wonderful addition to my classroom library. My students were THRILLED to take a book home with them. Thank you for supporting our community!

You can nominate a classroom for our next drawing.  

We want to promote reading for the Elementary Students of Snohomish County.

Please nominate a classroom who would benefit from some reading material.

Kylin Landry
Kylin Landry
2021-10-04
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation. Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
Doza m
Doza m
2021-09-23
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
Bri Adams
Bri Adams
2021-09-15
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
2021-09-15
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
Abraham Tewldeberham
Abraham Tewldeberham
2021-09-12
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
Sylvia Magnusson
Sylvia Magnusson
2021-09-09
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here to read more of our Local Community Series.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Sign up for the Monthly Newsletter.

Girl Scout Cookies 2022

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies With A Vision…

The sales of Girl Scout cookies provide funds for great learning adventures, and other opportunities for girls.  Last year our Girls Scouts were earning money to keep having fun learning, Girl Scout camp, and a trip to Disneyland.

In addition these Girl Scouts are learning a variety of valuable life skills while they are setting up, selling and reporting their sales of these delightful morsels.

For the past several years Merrill Law has been supporting this Girls Scout Cookie sales. We purchase 5 boxes of delicious cookies from10 Girl Scouts.

Cookies Anyone…

Please follow the directions to allow for us to safely order and support the Girl Scouts.

  • Please Complete this Application so that we can order from you.
  • We will place our order from the first 10 Girl Scouts to submit this request.
  • We like to share a photo of the girls who stopped by the office with cookies to sell to Rick.
  • You can decide if your parent will email a photo to us, or if we will stage a no contact photo of the delivery on our porch.

We are looking forward to enjoying these delightful morsels.

If you are craving some cookies, look up the Girl Scout Find Cookies to pre order your cookies

Kylin Landry
Kylin Landry
2021-10-04
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation. Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
Doza m
Doza m
2021-09-23
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
Bri Adams
Bri Adams
2021-09-15
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
2021-09-15
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
Abraham Tewldeberham
Abraham Tewldeberham
2021-09-12
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
Sylvia Magnusson
Sylvia Magnusson
2021-09-09
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here to read more of our Local Community Series.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Sign up for the Monthly Newsletter.

Free Shred Event 2022

ProShred Truck

2022 Free Shred Event Complete

Thank you to everyone who made the Free Shred Event 2022 and Food Drive a Success. We were able to fill the truck completely this year.

At work on the shred pile at the Free Shred Event

The ProShred truck was late to arrive. They were over scheduled due to the unexpected loss of one of their trucks in a recent fire. However as soon as the truck arrived all of the boxes and bags that were dropped off were shred.

Clean up after the pile of shredding at the free shred event.

Free Shred Event 2022 Food Drive Results

We are happy to say that we filled a mini van with about 500 pounds of food donations and $300 dollars that were donated for the food bank.

Food Donations at the Free Shred Event.

We look forward to another amazing Event in January 2023

Do You Want To Hear More From Merrill Law?

Check out our other Blogs for more information on an assortment of subjects.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Kylin Landry
Kylin Landry
2021-10-04
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation. Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
Doza m
Doza m
2021-09-23
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
Bri Adams
Bri Adams
2021-09-15
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
2021-09-15
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
Abraham Tewldeberham
Abraham Tewldeberham
2021-09-12
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
Sylvia Magnusson
Sylvia Magnusson
2021-09-09
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

Sign up for the Monthly Newsletter.

DUI

DUI

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs is also referred to as a DUI or sometimes DWI.

The Adult DUI

The charge for an adult is DUI.

A Driving Under the Influence is a gross misdemeanor, which has a maximum of 364 days in jail and additional court penalties.

  • Requires a blood alcohol content of .08 or,
  • 5 nanograms or higher for Driving under the influence of Marijuana or,
  • In the alternative, be under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol.

Underage DUI

The charge for someone under the age of 21 is Driver Under Twenty-One consuming alcohol or marijuana and is operating or being in physical control of a motor vehicle.

An Underage DUI is a misdemeanor, which has a maximum  of 90 days in jail and additional court penalties.

For a minor the blood alcohol content is .02.

Driving Under the Influence is a serious crime, with serious penalties for you.

  • You could be arrested.
  • Face a Driver’s license suspension.  
  • You will have assorted Court hearings including an Arraignment, Pre-Trial hearings, Trial, Sentencing.
  • Sentencing can include Jail, Fines, Scram Bracelet, Drug and Alcohol Evaluation, Treatment, Ignition Interlock, SR 22 filing Insurance.  

In the long term

  • You may need to have background checks done, that will bring this back to the surface years from now.
  • Some Countries, including Canada, do not allow you to enter if you have been convicted of  a DUI.

Drinking? Driving? Don’t!

If you are drinking and travelling, plan to have a designated driver, call a friend, call a cab, call a tow truck, or Stay.

We know that this can be a life changing event but it isn’t the end of the world.  

There are many ways an experienced attorney can fight for you.

Kylin Landry
Kylin Landry
2021-10-04
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation. Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
Doza m
Doza m
2021-09-23
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
Bri Adams
Bri Adams
2021-09-15
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
2021-09-15
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
Abraham Tewldeberham
Abraham Tewldeberham
2021-09-12
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
Sylvia Magnusson
Sylvia Magnusson
2021-09-09
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here To Learn More About DUI.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Sign up for the Monthly Newsletter.

What Happens When You Are Arrested For DUI

What happens when you are arrested for a DUI in Washington State.

What happens when you are arrested for DUI

I am going to talk about what happens when you are arrested for a DUI in Washington State. Hello, I am Reece Merrill with Merrill Law.

Two Processes

If you get arrested for a DUI in Washington State, there are two processes going on. One is the administrative process with your license, which will be governed by the DOL (Department of License). The second process is governed by the Courts and that determines any kind of criminal punishment, aside from a license consequence, potentially going jail although hopefully not.

Department of License

Now the process with the DOL, the DOL will move much faster than the courts. The courts have 2 years to file any case against you as a result. The DOL will move much quicker. You will have 5 business days to request a hearing for the administrative process of suspending your license. If you get arrested for a DUI it is very important that you talk to an attorney about that DOL hearing fairly quickly. And the strategy you want to take there whether or not you want to request it or get the restricted license. But we should be able to help you keep driving in some way.

The Court

So for the Court side, at some point within the two years from the date of the violation, the date you have for your arrest or had contact with Law Enforcement. They will schedule your first court appearance which is called the Arraignment. At the arraignment it is time to enter a plea. You will want to be pleading not guilty. The court will also set some conditions of release. The basic conditions for a DUI that the court will set at the arraignment will be don’t commit any criminal law violations while the case is pending. Don’t drive without a valid license and insurance. Don’t get another DUI. And depending on the jurisdiction there might be an Ignition Interlock requirement. That is going to be more dependent on your individual criminal history as well as the jurisdiction that the case is in.

At that arraignment date they will set Pretrial hearings. Which are just status hearings to let the court know if you are ready to resolve the case or ready to tell the court that you are ready for Trial and then set for a Trial date. Generally at that first hearing most people won’t know whether or not they want to go to Trial. So there will probably be multiple court dates.

After the court sets the conditions, they are also going to set Pretrial court dates at the first hearing, the arraignment. The Pretrial hearings are for letting the courts know the status of the case. Either we want to declare that we are ready for trial, we want to ask for more time to investigate and negotiate the case, or we have some kind of resolution that everyone can be happy with. So it is possible that the case gets resolved at the first Pretrial hearing, but it is not outside of the ordinary that there would be multiple Pretrial hearings. The reason for that is to give the attorney more time to investigate and negotiate the case. Potentially there are some affirmative conditions that the State wants done before the case can be resolved. And things of that nature.

What happens when you are arrested for DUI

That is the basic outline of the process, both with DOL and with the Courts.

Now anytime you are arrested with a DUI it is important that you get in touch with an attorney.

Want to hear more from us… 

There are many ways an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney can fight for you.

Kylin Landry
Kylin Landry
2021-10-04
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation. Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
Doza m
Doza m
2021-09-23
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
Bri Adams
Bri Adams
2021-09-15
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
2021-09-15
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
Abraham Tewldeberham
Abraham Tewldeberham
2021-09-12
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
Sylvia Magnusson
Sylvia Magnusson
2021-09-09
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here To Learn More About DUI Defense.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Sign up for the Monthly Newsletter.

Criminal Cases in Court

Criminal Cases in Court-The Process.

The court legal system can be very intimidating and even scary if you are not familiar with how the court system conducts business.  

The criminal court process may begin within a few days or many months after the date of arrest.  

The criminal court for your case begins when:

  • The arresting officer provides you with a court date and time 
  • A notice of hearing mailed to you from the court.

Arraignment

 An arraignment is the first hearing.  The reason for an arraignment is for you to understand what you are being charged with. The arraignment is where you would enter your plea of “not guilty”.    

A Private Attorney can enter your plea and waive your appearance for the arraignment if you are charged with a misdemeanor.

However a waiver of arraignment is not allowed and you are required to attend the hearing if you are charged with:

  • DUI 
  • Physical Control
  • Domestic Violence.

When the plea is entered the judge will determine if you can be released .

The judge will consider:

  • Your criminal history.
  • Flight risk.
  • Your alleged breath alcohol level at the time of arrest if charged with DUI.
  • If you have made an effort to show the court that you are not a danger to the community. 
  • If you have failed to appear for other cases.

The judge may impose conditions of release or have bail set for your release.  

If you are being charged with a DUI the judge might release you with conditions that may include:  

  • Electronic home monitoring (EHM), 
  • Restrictions on consumption of alcohol, 
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device (IIL) 
  • Alcohol monitoring ankle bracelet also known as a SCRAM bracelet. 

If you are being charged with a Domestic Violence crime the judge may impose:

  • A no contact order  
  • No possession of firearms.  

Pre-Trial Hearing or Readiness Hearing

The  Pre-Trial or readiness hearing is where the prosecution and the defense inform the court of their progress, negotiations, or if the case is ready for trial.  

Your case may be continued for additional readiness hearings based on:

courtroom availability,

additional evidence discovery,

continued negotiation, or

witness availability issues.  

Resolutions are possible at readiness hearings, depending on the negotiation with the prosecutor.

Motion Hearings   

Motion hearings are an opportunity for Legal motions to be presented. These motions may be to prevent your case from going to trial or relate to other needs.

Trial

If a resolution is not reached between the prosecutor and your attorney, then your case will be set for trial.  

You may choose between a bench trial or a jury trial.  

A bench trial allows the judge to be the sole person deciding if you are guilty or not guilty of the charges.  

A jury trial will consist of 6 people (if charged with a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor) or 12 people (if charged with a felony).  

These people are randomly selected from the community, and will make the decision if you are guilty or not guilty of the charges.  

Sentencing

Sentencing is addressed after a finding of guilt has been decided for your case.  

Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor regarding a sentence recommendation 

Often times both parties will have reached an agreed sentence recommendation that the prosecutor will present to the judge.

The judge has the authority to impose the sentence that he or she believes is appropriate for the crime.

This sentence may include fines, jail, restitution, evaluation, treatment, probation or other steps.

There are many ways an experienced attorney can fight for you.

Kylin Landry
Kylin Landry
2021-10-04
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation. Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
Doza m
Doza m
2021-09-23
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
Bri Adams
Bri Adams
2021-09-15
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
2021-09-15
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
Abraham Tewldeberham
Abraham Tewldeberham
2021-09-12
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
Sylvia Magnusson
Sylvia Magnusson
2021-09-09
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here To Learn More About Criminal Defense.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Sign up for the Monthly Newsletter.

Understanding a DUI Stop

Understanding A DUI Stop

You have been out for some fun, enjoying a few alcoholic beverages. You grab your keys, hop into the driver’s seat and get on the road.  

Soon you notice the red and blue lights flashing in your rear view mirror. Now you realize that you could be charged with a DUI.

If you have committed a traffic infraction, an officer will pull you over.  

The officer will notice if there is an odor of alcohol or drugs from the car. He will look to see if your eyes are glassy or bloodshot. He will observe if your speech is slurred and your mannerisms seem to be impaired.  

The Field Sobriety Test

With a reasonable suspicion of drunk driving, the officer will ask you to step out of the car and complete a field sobriety test.

A field sobriety test is a series of 3 tests that will be administered by an officer to determine the impairment of the driver and establish probable cause for arrest.  

Test one is the horizontal gaze nystagmus test  

The officer will watch the driver’s eyes, as the driver follows a slowly moving object. This is usually done with a writing utensil or a small flashlight.  

Test two is the walk and turn test.  

This requires the driver to listen, follow instructions, while performing the simple physical movements.  The driver will be asked to take nine steps, heel-to-toe along a straight line, and then turn on one foot and return to the starting position walking along the same straight line heel-to-toe.  

Test three is the one-leg stand test.  

The driver will be asked to stand with one foot approximately six inches off of the ground and then will be directed to count aloud by thousands until the officer directs the driver to place the foot down.  

The officer will be looking for indicators of impairment, which include swaying while balancing, use of the arms for balance, hopping to help maintain balance, and placing the foot down for balance.

Breath Test

The officer may also ask you to take a portable breath test to measure your blood alcohol content.

Should you Take the Test

It is important that you speak with an attorney prior to taking any type of test to determine your ability to drive.

The officer may place you under arrest and you may be taken to jail if you refuse to take the tests.  

Knowing your Rights

The arresting officer is required to notify you of your right to talk to an attorney, within a reasonable amount of time.

It is important that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible to help determine which course of action you should take to help with your situation.

What are the Consequences?

Receiving a DUI is a serious offense and may lead to time in jail, suspension of your license, probation and many other requirements or penalties.

We know that DUIs can be a life changing event but it is not the end of the world.  

There are many ways an experienced attorney can fight for you.

Kylin Landry
Kylin Landry
2021-10-04
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation. Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
Doza m
Doza m
2021-09-23
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
Bri Adams
Bri Adams
2021-09-15
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
2021-09-15
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
Abraham Tewldeberham
Abraham Tewldeberham
2021-09-12
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
Sylvia Magnusson
Sylvia Magnusson
2021-09-09
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here To Learn More About DUI.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Sign up for the Monthly Newsletter.

A Conversation About DUI

A Conversation About DUI

We are here to have a conversation about DUI. It is a Criminal charge that has multiple agencies involved in the process. Here are some of the important things to know.

DUI, DOL, Courts, What Does it all mean?

There are 2 parts to a DUI. Administrative Loss of License through the Department of License and Criminal charges through the courts. Each DUI will have various factors that need to be addressed to resolve the case.

DOL is the Department of License.

The administrative hearing is held to determine if your case will require an administrative loss of license. The request for this hearing must be filed with in 7 days. Talk with an attorney to determine if an administrative hearing is the best step for you.

Court Criminal Case.

Each DUI that is charged will work its way through the court to come to a resolution of the criminal charges.

The Time Lines.

The time lines vary for each case and the Entity who is bringing the charges. While it can be hard to wait, there is simply a lot of documentation and steps required to file and begin each case.

While quick and easy is nice in regards to stressful situations, we have found that DUI cases are intricate and involved to process correctly. We will work with you to come to a resolution for the case.

We know that this can be a life changing event but it isn’t the end of the world.  

There are many ways an experienced attorney can fight for you.

Kylin Landry
Kylin Landry
2021-10-04
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation. Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
Doza m
Doza m
2021-09-23
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
Bri Adams
Bri Adams
2021-09-15
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
2021-09-15
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
Abraham Tewldeberham
Abraham Tewldeberham
2021-09-12
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
Sylvia Magnusson
Sylvia Magnusson
2021-09-09
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here To Learn More About DUI.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

Sign up for the Monthly Newsletter.

Keeping Your License After a DUI

Steps for Keeping Your License After A DUI

Keeping your license after a DUI includes submitting an application for an Ignition Interlock License (IIL) is a Restricted Driver’s License. 

If approved by the Department of Licensing, a IIL will allow you to drive a vehicle while your current license is suspended or revoked for a drug or alcohol-related driving offense.   

To be eligible, your driving record must show all of the following:

An arrest or conviction of any of the following:

  • DUI or Physical Control involving drugs or alcohol
  • Reckless Driving
  • Vehicular Assault involving drugs or alcohol
  • Vehicular Homicide involving drugs or alcohol
  • You have an unexpired WA driver license or a valid out of state driver license

Your current suspension or revocation doesn’t include:

  • Minor in Possession, or
  • Habitual Traffic Offender (Suspended 1st degree)

Ignition Interlock License Application

Before the Washington State Department of Licensing will consider your application for an ignition interlock license you must complete the following steps.

1. Install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.  

  • There are several ignition interlock device locations in Washington State, a general internet search should help you find one near you.
  • Choose an installer that is approved by the Washington State Patrol.
  • The ignition interlock installer will send proof of installation to the Department of Licensing.
  • Fees vary depending on the installation location you select. They may include an installation fee, a monthly fee for the device to be maintained in your vehicle, required monthly calibration of the ignition interlock device.

2. Provide proof of financial responsibility to Washington State.  

  • Obtain a Certificate of Insurance, commonly known as SR-22 insurance.
  • The auto insurance company will submit the SR-22 filing to the Washington State Department of Licensing.
  • The SR-22 filing may take up to 10 business days to be processed.

3. Submit a Restricted Driver License Application.  

  • This application can be found at https://www.dol.wa.gov/ under the ignition interlock driver’s license page.
  • Mail the completed application and the required $100.00 application fee to the Washington State Department of Licensing restricted licensing department.

If the Washington State Department of Licensing does not receive all documents that are required with your application within 30 days, they will deny your application.  

What Happens Next?

Your application for the ignition interlock license will be reviewed by the Department of Licensing when all three steps are complete.  

If the Department of Licensing approves your application, they will mail or email your ignition interlock license when your license suspension begins.  

Things to Know About an Ignition Interlock license  

  • It is valid only in Washington State.
  • It is required for the entire time your license is suspended.
  • You will be required to maintain ignition interlock devices on all the vehicles you drive.
  • Exceptions may exist for employer owned vehicles.

Keeping Your License After A DUI

We know that this can be a life changing event but it isn’t the end of the world.  

There are many ways an experienced attorney can fight for you.

Kylin Landry
Kylin Landry
2021-10-04
Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation. Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
Doza m
Doza m
2021-09-23
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
Bri Adams
Bri Adams
2021-09-15
Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
2021-09-15
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
Abraham Tewldeberham
Abraham Tewldeberham
2021-09-12
I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
Sylvia Magnusson
Sylvia Magnusson
2021-09-09
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

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To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

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